Affections of conjunctiva and cornea in Bendel State of Nigeria

A review of conjunctival, episcleral and corneal diseases seen in Bendel State in the South of Nigeria shows significant differences in the pattern of conjunctional and corneal diseases. Onchocerciasis and trachoma which cause much ocular morbidity and blindness in the savannah north have little place in the rain forest areas of southern Nigeria. The relative rarity of herpetic dendritic ulcers and corneal dystrophies are highlighted while the major indication for keratoplasty in southern Nigeria is leucoma associated with measles or trauma. The place of measles immunisation, improved nutrition and treatment for xerophthalmia is emphasized.